Scientists have made exciting discoveries about dark matter, thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope. This telescope recently mapped a region in the constellation Sextans, covering an area about 2.5 times larger than the full Moon. Researchers used over 15 telescopes, both on the ground and in space, to study this section of the sky. They aimed to measure the locations of regular matter and dark matter, comparing the two to understand the universe better.
With around 255 hours of observation, Webb identified nearly 800,000 galaxies, many seen for the first time. The researchers investigated dark matter by looking at how its mass bends space, affecting how we see light from distant galaxies. This phenomenon can seem like looking through a warped window.
The new map reveals about ten times more galaxies than previous maps made by ground telescopes and twice as many as those from the Hubble Space Telescope. It also uncovers new clusters of dark matter and offers clearer views compared to earlier observations.
To pinpoint the distance to many galaxies, the researchers used Webb’s advanced Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI). MIRI is particularly good at spotting galaxies hidden by cosmic dust.
Understanding dark matter is crucial. At the universe’s beginning, both regular and dark matter were likely scattered. Scientists believe dark matter clumped together first, attracting regular matter and forming regions where stars and galaxies could develop. This clumping effect helped shape the universe as we know it today.
“Without dark matter, we might not have the elements essential for life on Earth,” says Jason Rhodes, a co-author of the study. Even if we don’t encounter dark matter directly in our daily lives, its influence is profound.
Looking ahead, researchers plan to map dark matter using the upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. This telescope will cover an area 4,400 times larger than the one studied by Webb. Although Roman’s maps may lack the same spatial detail as Webb’s, they will provide vital insights into dark matter’s properties over cosmic time.
Overall, the James Webb Space Telescope is transforming our understanding of the universe. It investigates everything from our solar system to distant worlds and the fundamental structures of the cosmos.
For more information about the James Webb Space Telescope, check out NASA’s official page.
